CSKA-Sofia Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Fedor Lapoukhov · Teodor Ivanov · Facundo Rodríguez · Ángelo Martino · Pastor · Jean-Philippe Gbamin · Bruno Jordão · Stefano Sensi · Maks Ebong · Leandro Godoy · Ioannis Pittas

CSKA-Sofia relies on a direct and vertical way of playing through a 4-4-2 formation. The team looks to win the ball and hit the opponent quickly, using a system that can sit in a mid-block or push high to press. This lineup is built to maintain balance between the lines while providing enough bodies to support the attack in transition.

Fedor Lapoukhov guards the goal, acting as the foundation for the defensive unit. The back four consists of Pastor at right back and Ángelo Martino at left back, both tasked with managing the wide areas. In the center, Teodor Ivanov and Facundo Rodríguez form the defensive pairing. Ivanov works to win the header and clear the lines, while Rodríguez provides cover to sweep behind the line if the opposition breaks through. The defensive unit works together to maintain a compact shape and protect the central zone.

The midfield operates as a box-like structure that connects the back four to the strikers. Jean-Philippe Gbamin acts as the single pivot, sitting in front of the defense to shield the back line and intercept passes. To his sides, Bruno Jordão and Maks Ebong occupy the central spaces to win the second ball and carry the ball forward. Stefano Sensi plays as an attacking ten in the hole, looking to find the pockets of space between the opponent's midfield and defense. This group works to recycle possession and move the ball quickly into the final third.

Up front, CSKA-Sofia uses two forwards in a partnership to stretch the opposition. Ioannis Pittas leads the line as the primary striker, often looking to find the feet of his partner or run in behind the defense. Leandro Godoy plays as the second striker, dropping slightly deeper to link up with Stefano Sensi and create combinations. The attackers press the opposition back line to force a long ball, allowing the midfield to step up and regain possession. This attacking unit is designed to create runs in behind and use the width provided by the full backs.

This formation offers several tactical advantages for CSKA-Sofia. The central presence of Jean-Philippe Gbamin provides stability, allowing the other midfielders to press aggressively. The presence of Stefano Sensi behind the two strikers creates numerical superiority in the central attacking zones. Additionally, the team can quickly switch play to the wings to exploit the space left by advancing opponents.

The 4-4-2 formation allows CSKA-Sofia to remain compact while remaining lethal on the break. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line and leave space behind their defenders.